Overview & Reviews

Like its successful RX 400h predecessor, the Lexus RX 450h hybrid crossover SUV allows the hedonist with an environmental conscience to have it both ways. It has enough power to press passengers back into their plush seats, yet it also flies the green flag at full mast thanks to impressive fuel mileage.

Like other Toyota/Lexus dual-mode hybrid products, the 450h can run on battery power alone during light acceleration, and the V6 gas engine shuts off at low speeds when not required. This results in truly excellent fuel economy for a midsize luxury SUV, and when added to the rest of the RX's appealing attributes, there is certainly a lot to like. However, the RX hybrid also carries a premium price that will be hard to recoup with fuel savings alone, so count this as more of a sound eco choice rather than a financial one.

Current Lexus RX 450h
The Lexus RX 450h's 3.5-liter gas V6 engine and battery-pack-driven electric motors/generators yield an impressive total output of 295 hp. All that thrust runs through a specialized continuously variable transmission (CVT), and despite its extra pounds, the hybrid RX is still plenty quick. Fuel economy estimates stand at 30 mpg combined with standard front-wheel drive, or 29 mpg combined with optional all-wheel drive.

Standard luxury features include 18-inch alloy wheels, a power liftgate, keyless ignition/entry, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, a Siri-based control system for iPhone users and a nine-speaker sound system with an iPod/USB interface. A Sport driving mode is also standard, which changes steering effort, throttle response and transmission shifts for a livelier drive. Options (many grouped in packages) include a blind-spot warning system, leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, a navigation system, a rear DVD entertainment system and a rearview camera.

The cabin boasts real wood accents as well as a sliding and reclining split rear seat to optimize passenger comfort. With the second row in use, cargo capacity is 40 cubic feet -- double that with the seat folded down. No third-row seat is available.

In reviews, we've found the Lexus RX 450h to be everything you'd expect from a Lexus. It's quiet and comfortable but rather uninspiring to drive. The powertrain is enthusiastic, though, particularly given its low emissions and stellar fuel economy. Overall, the RX 450h's relaxed demeanor and convenient wagon-style body makes it an excellent choice for those in search of a soothing, luxurious and environmentally friendly crossover SUV.

Used Lexus RX 450h Models
The RX 450h debuted for the 2010 model year. There have been only minimal changes since, the most notable ones being a different grille, the Sport drive mode and a few more standard features added for the 2013 model year. The Siri Eyes Free iPhone control became available the year after.

User Reviews:

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  Ugly Front End - 2016 Lexus RX 450h
  By Henry - November 20 - 5:12 am

  Horrible looking front end. Looks like Lexus Engineers don’t know how to finish this side of the vehicle, so they add big chip looking plastic mash. For everything else I give 5 stars.

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  Poor fuel economy - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By Richard - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I have had this 2010 Lexus RX450H for about 3 months. One thing disappointments me is the actual mileage I am getting. I use it for commute from home to work in San Francisco. So far the total mileage is 880. I have been getting 21 MPG in city and 23 MPG in the city. My combined average MPG is 21.9 MPG. The advertised fuel efficiency is 28 MPG on highway and 32 MPG in the city. Not sure it is just my car or it is the city that has lots of hill and traffic signal. My round trip from home to work is 12 miles. One reason we want to switch from our 2001 BMW330CI (which runs 14 MPG) to this car is hoping to save gas. I have not bring this car to long trip yet, will test that out later.

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  Initial impression - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By Burt10 - October 14 - 11:16 pm

  Very impressed with the RX450h. Excellent comfort and fun to drive. Takes a while to get familiar with all the capability but basic operation is easy and intuitive. Very good dealer service.

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  my 3rd. Lexus - 2015 Lexus RX 450h
  By chuck lichter - August 17 - 6:23 am

  This is the second "h" we have purchased. I see much improvements over the last. Clearly the interior had a "womens touch". Engine much more "peppy" than the last. Still the better ride compared to the Cad 2013 Rx I now use for work.

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  Disappointed mpg - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By gored - March 21 - 3:26 pm

  I am very disappointed in our fuel economy. After 8500 miles we average 25.5 mpg. Suburban/rural Ohio mom running a 5 teen family. No special driving of any sort. Quite a bit different from the 29 combined mpg we were represented with. Not worth it.

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  Good Performance - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By Apogeelam - March 13 - 8:46 pm

  I am leasing the RX450h for almost a year now. so far, I like it, but it would be good if Lexus have the service for unlock the door for you if you are the owner and you lock out. I went shopping once at 40 miles from my home, and my key dropped on the seat quietly. I called the dealer, and they told me the only thing they could offer is to come pick me up to get my spare key at home. (but I know even have my home key.) The media USB ports are not convenient to reach. Since the dealer is 38 miles away from my house, I am not sure if a local oil change service could do the oil change for me.

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  1st Hybrid, previous Lexus owner - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By Jim M. - March 9 - 1:30 pm

  Had my previous 03 RX in for an oil change and drove the 2010 RX350. I went ahead and placed the 1st order with money and got the exact car I wanted on the 1st delivery. What a technological marvel !!! I truly dont believe there is any competition in its price class with this much performance, luxury, safety, features, and economy. I plan on keeping this car till the batteries fail, probably about 10 years.

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  Bay Area Commuter - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By Michael - December 11 - 9:53 am

  Commute 160 miles a day and make on average 27.5 mpg hanging with traffic, 29 mpg set on 65, and and 33 mpg on the 101 from San Jose to L.A. north or south. 2 others in my car pool sleep to and from work, all pay $10 each so virtually no gas bill...one has had back surgery and claims seat is the most supportive comfortable seat he has ever sat in...fantastic sound with the model just below Mark Levinson...usually keep the radio off and marvel at how quiet and relaxing the drive is. Power when you need it...stays in electric only babying the gas up to 45 mpg...26mpg in and around Carmel, Gilroy, Tahoe.

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  MY 4th Lexus SUV and the best ever. - 2016 Lexus RX 450h
  By salim Akrabawi MD - November 6 - 4:50 pm

  I bought my first Lexus RX in 2000 and traded it in on a 2006 Lexus RX 400h in May 2005. I drove it till November 2015 when I traded it in on a 2016 gray Lexus RX 350 which was a great vehicle. But it was gray and driving a gray vehicle in gray Indiana was too much. So I traded it in on a red 2016 Lexus RX 450h in early January 2016. The h is definitely more refined and, although I am not an expert, I feel that the CVT transmission is much superior to the 8 speed in the 350. I really do not have any complaints about the 2016 Rx 450h. It is extremely quiet, responsive and safe. The drivers assist technology is superb. And the color is uplifting.

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  RX450h - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By W.Yao - September 17 - 3:43 pm

  Quiet and smooth is the obvious feeling when driving. The exterior shape is awesome. Interior has a lot of space and is very luxury and comfortable. However the gas pedal is sluggish. My first tank of gas only gives me 24.6 mpg which I drove about 240 miles highway (60~70 mph) and about 160 miles city (25~45 mph). I was expecting at least 29 mpg in this drive pattern. Hopefully next tank of gas would give me better performance.